1. Religion & Spirituality

Buddhism Body Art Project: Buddha's Eyes

Buddha's Eyes Tattoo

The Buddhism Body Art Project is a gallery of Buddhist-themed tattoos sent in by About.com readers and others.
Buddha's Eyes Tattoo

Buddha's Eyes signify the all-seeing eyes of a Buddha.

Tattoo Owner: Tom Rogers. Artist: Homie, Homie's Tattoos, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

In Nepal, giant eyes are painted on all four sides of the tallest towers of shrines. These are "Buddha's eyes," or "wisdom eyes,"and they represent the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. The curled mark where a nose should be is the Nepali character for the numeral 1, representing the unity of all things. The dot between the eyes is a 3rd eye that symbolizes wisdom.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.